Saturday Friends is a socialization and supported play program designed to offer fun, safe and appropriate activities for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other Developmental Disabilities, friendship and understanding for siblings and respite, support and education for parents. This program is offered on most second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. In Rome, the program is offered on the first and third Saturdays.
Trained Arc staff and volunteers from local high schools and colleges focus on creating an atmosphere that encourages interaction and involvement. Activities and materials are planned around children’s strengths and needs.
Siblings have the opportunity to meet and form friendships with other children that have a brother or sister with a disability. These children will gain a better understanding of the abilities of children with disabilities while they provide positive role models for play and communication.
Parents are welcome to stay and observe, participate in activities, get together with other parents to share experiences and ideas or use the time as respite from the on-going care of their children.
A child must be Medicaid-waiver eligible to participate in the Saturday Friends program. The program is designed for children ages 5 and up.
Download Application
Please be sure to specify which program your child is applying for.
For more information, please contact:
Shannon Clark, Children’s Programs Coordinator
Phone:
315.272.1588
Email: sclark@thearcolc.org